Padded Facemask Shield With Non-Newtonian Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmet facemasks lack effective cushioning to absorb impact forces and prevent neck and hand injuries from facemask collisions, and there is a need for an affordable, universally fitting solution that also provides antimicrobial protection.
Innovation Solution
A padded facemask shield with a flexible frame and urethane-based, rate-dependent non-Newtonian foam pads that absorb impact forces, featuring a smooth exterior to deflect forces and include an adjustable fit for various facemask styles, along with an antimicrobial air filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If collapsible hinges, springs, or absorption clips are added to the helmet, then impact absorption capability is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The facemask is divided into multiple individual bars rather than a single rigid structure. Each bar can independently absorb impact forces, allowing the system to protect against impacts from various angles without requiring complex hinge or spring mechanisms. The segmentation enables distributed impact absorption across the entire facemask structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the facemask bars are changed to be rate-dependent and non-Newtonian, allowing them to harden upon impact while remaining flexible during normal use. This parameter change enables the bars to absorb impact forces effectively without requiring additional mechanical components like springs or hinges.
2Strength
If multiple springs, hinges, and clips with shock inserts are added, then shock absorption is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The facemask bars are manufactured with rate-dependent non-Newtonian material properties that enable shock absorption inherent to the material itself. This eliminates the need for separate shock-absorbing components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective shock protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The facemask uses composite material construction combining flexibility and impact resistance properties. The rate-dependent non-Newtonian foam or elastomer material provides both structural integrity and shock absorption capabilities, replacing the need for multiple separate components.
3Strength
If a rigid facemask structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but impact force transmission to the head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The facemask material parameters are changed to be rate-dependent, allowing the material to exhibit different mechanical properties under different loading conditions. During normal use, the material remains flexible, but upon impact, it hardens to absorb forces while preventing transmission to the player's head.
Solution Approach 2:
The facemask structure transitions from a static rigid design to a dynamic system where the material properties change in response to impact forces. The rate-dependent non-Newtonian material dynamically adjusts its stiffness based on the magnitude and speed of applied forces, providing protection only when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The padded facemask shield effectively reduces neck and hand injuries by absorbing impact forces, provides universal fit across different facemask designs, and offers antimicrobial protection against airborne pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
Pads can be formed of a urethane-based, rate-dependent non-Newtonian foam that hardens on impact. After the moment of impact, the pad(s) return to their original state.
Implementation Method 2
a flexible frame that locates protective pads with hinge-like flexibility, allowing multiple axes of rotation and an adjustable fit for a wide variety of facemask styles
Implementation Method 3
Stretchable or deformable openings in the elastic frame intermediate at least some of the pads can contribute to the conformability of the facemask shield as well as provide airflow throughout the facemask shield
Data Source
AI summary
A padded facemask shield assembly is provided for a protective helmet having a facemask with an inboard surface and an outboard surface. The padded facemask shield assembly has a frame, including an elastic frame, at least one resilient pad connected to the frame, and a coupler connected to at least one of the frame and the at least one resilient pad, wherein the coupler is configured to releasably engage the facemask and locate the frame and the at least one resilient pad on the outboard surface of the facemask.